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I put a slice of bread into the toaster, as usual. It seemed to take a long time to cook. Finally, I left my eggs to their own devices and checked out the toaster. I couldn’t find either bread or toast. It took a while but it eventually showed up under a kitchen chair.

That toaster had spewed the toast several feet away. Because it landed on the floor, I threw it out. By now the eggs were overdone and my coffee cold.. This scenario repeated itself for a few days, until I finally figured out that the bread I used was too light for the springs of the toaster.

How are we doing in the toaster? When the crisis of living hits us do we spring out of the heat it as soon as possible? Find ways to manipulate the circumstances to our own liking? Tell a tall tale or two? Run to the nearest gossip to share our problem? All of these get us out of the heat all right but they land us in a place where we are of no use to anyone, not even ourselves.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13, KJV)

Prayer – Lord, we know the right thing to do. Help us do it for our own self-respect and most of all, for you. Amen

God’s Message came to me: “Son of man, I’m about to take from you the delight of your life—a real blow, I know. But, please, no tears. Keep your grief to yourself. No public mourning. Get dressed as usual and go about your work—none of the usual funeral rituals.”I preached to the people in the morning. That evening my wife died. The next morning I did as I’d been told. (Ezekiel 24:15-17, MSG)

And every time I read it, I ask myself these questions. Do I have that kind of obedience in me? Why/ why not? Why do I prolong my personal pain by neglecting God’s words to me?

And then I pray something like this.

Prayer – Lord God, Father of the entire universe, oh Lord God, help me to be as obedient as Ezekiel… because I want to serve you wholeheartedly, more than anything in the world. Help me to live that way, dear God. For Christ, who did. Amen

This is a gift to me, really, that Christine Lindsay would post this article on the week of my 53 wedding anniversary. http://www.christinelindsay.org/2016/02/only-god-by-guest-brenda-wood-as-told.html

They say confession is good for the soul and if that is true, Steve Harvey’s soul must be in great shape! Imagine being in front of huge audience, in person and round the world on social media. You announce the winner of the Miss Universe Contest, 2015 and read out the wrong name!

Yes, that happened to Mr. Harvey but as soon as he found out that he made a mistake, he immediately admitted that the error was entirely his own fault.

That kind of character is extremely rare in today’s world. It was just are rare in Bible times. Take a look at Saul.

“What have you done?” Samuel asked.

Saul answered, “My soldiers were leaving in all directions, and you didn’t come when you were supposed to. The Philistines were gathering at Mishmash, and I was worried that they would attack me here at Gilgal. I hadn’t offered a sacrifice to ask for the Lord’s help, so I forced myself to offer a sacrifice on the altar fire.” (From 1Samuel 13:11-12 CEV)

Results: Saul lost his place as king, while Steve Harvey is expected to host next year’s Miss Universe.

Prayer – Lord, give us the courage to take the blame when we are guilty. Amen

I was a little anxious about babysitting my friend’s grandchild. My skills in the infant department are a bit rusty.

“Never mind,” she quipped. “It’s just like riding a bicycle. You never forget.” (Thankfully, she didn’t test me on that!)

It’s true though. There are certain invaluable things that never leave us, if we first take the time to learn them.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (Joshua 1:8, KJV)

Prayer – Well, Lord, we are grateful for remembering about bikes and babies but even more for learning your word, walking in it and expecting your help to keep it. Amen

When you put on your next prayer-performance, I’ll be looking the other way. No matter how long or loud or often you pray, I’ll not be listening.

And do you know why? Because you’ve been tearing people to pieces, and your hands are bloody. Go home and wash up. Clean up your act. Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings so I don’t have to look at them any longer.

Say no to wrong. Learn to do good. Work for justice. Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenceless. (Isaiah 1:16-17 MSG)